anyone who thinks our politicians are particularly bad on any global scale, including in western democratic countries is displaying severe ignorance both of global western politics and of the difference between what happens in australian politics and what people say happens. we are masters at confected outrage and crying over drops of spilt milk.

yeah some of them suck. just like any other field. 'I found it hard to imagine a more odious and craven' is just...I mean, don't ever pay even remote attention to US politics. it's a leadership battle. hardly the first one ever.